Steps to tackle dumping of butts with ‘pocket ashtrays’

The local council is taking steps to reduce the number of cigartte butts dumped on our streets - by giving away ‘pocket ashtrays.

Last year 404 litter fines were issued within the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area as a result of cigarette butts being thrown away.

In an effort to cut down on this waste the Council is giving away 10,000 pocket ashtrays to smokers within the Borough.

These reusable cigarette pouches are designed for people to use when they are on the go, meaning that they have somewhere to put their cigarette butts and are not tempted to litter our streets.

Cigarette butts are the main form of litter on our streets and it takes considerable use of Council resources and rate payer’s money to continually clean up the mess left by smokers. Providing these small but very useful items to smokers allows them to dispose of their butts responsibly and safely.

“This is another great initiative in an effort to reduce the amount of littering which takes place within the Borough,” commented Chair of the Environmental Services Committee Alderman Robert Smith.

“A total of 520 fines were issued by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in 2015/2016 for litter offences – with a large percentage of these fines coming as a result of cigarette butts being thrown down. If we can make people more aware when walking and driving of the importance of holding onto their litter then we will make our Borough an even more beautiful place to live.”

Supplies of the pocket ashtrays will be distributed to Council facilities within the Borough and Environmental Wardens will be giving them out to smokers on the street.

The pouches also provide details on stopping smoking supported by the Public Health Agency, including a helpful website.

If you want more information to help stop smoking visit www.want2stop.info

To request a pocket ashtray or for further information on ongoing litter initiatives and campaigns you can contact 0300 0300 900.